Breeding biology of the pileated woodpecker—management implications.

Abstract

We located and studied 123 pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) nests from 1973 to 1983 in northeastern Oregon. Pileated woodpeckers excavated nest cavities in late March and early April, incubated eggs as early as 13 May and as late as 15 June, and fledged young between 26 June and 13 July. These birds nested at 1 year of age, and some lived at least 9 years. Juvenile recruitment into the population was at least 8 percent. Mean annual adult survival was at least 64 percent, and mean annual adult mortality was at least 9 percent. This information is incorporated into management recommendations for monitoring populations of pileated woodpeckers over time.

Citation

Bull, Evelyn L.; Meslow, E. Charles. 1988. Breeding biology of the pileated woodpecker—management implications. Res. Note PNW-RN-474. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 16 p